Identifying need marks the season

People often make their Christmas plans months ahead of celebrations. Imagine how many had to come up with a backup, or who are still scrambling to get home or reach loved ones considering the crazy weather in the region on the weekend.

In the aftermath of the ice storm that hammered eastern Canada, the disruption of holiday plans, with people stuck at airports and flight schedules seriously backlogged was the story told over and over in media reports.

Being with family and other loved ones is very much at the heart of this holiday, much more so than any other time of the year. And so it is, a seasonal celebration gets bogged down in the whims of the season’s weather. Headache that it has made itself into, the recent weather disruptions will likely play large in tales of the season for many Christmases to come.

But also on the down side of the severe weather, many people are in a frantic state at this time of year, with last-minute errands to be “ready for Christmas.” It’s meant some mishaps on the highways. It’s a good time to take a deep breath, slow down accordingly to conditions, and realize being a few minutes late is better than not arriving at all.

On the bigger front, the latter part of this past year has been marked by yet another call for sharing after devastation in parts of the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan in November. With many people from that country working in the area, the crisis there has taken on much more of the global village effect.

In addition to the outpouring of support and monetary aid from individuals, organizations and governments, church groups have focused on this cause, directing a portion of their collections to help out. It’s very much a reminder of the giving aspect that is the hallmark of this season.

It is a busy time, often right up to the peace and joy that embody this evening – when it’s finally time to breathe easy and enjoy.